Uncover Nanaimo’s layers.
It’s the many options from sea to sky that attract visitors to Nanaimo, where pedals push you over trails and the soles of your boots take you down to the base of rainforest waterfalls. And yet all will find the stillness to rejuvenate when kicking back on the beach to watch the ferry dock, or enjoying a cold handmade beverage at one of 4 craft breweries.
When you’re ready to feel the ocean air, set sail from Nanaimo’s harbour—one of Vancouver Island’s most industrious and beautiful ports—on a catamaran, fishing boat or hovercraft. It’s just one of the ways to catch a glimpse of Nanaimo’s locals—the wildlife of British Columbia who call the Salish Sea home. Get up close and personal with the harbour seals when you dive off Snake Island with a knowledgeable guide.
Top 10 Things to Do
Our ten classic must-dos while visiting Nanaimo: think biting into our signature treat or sailing down our single-track!
Plan Your Trip
Our curated itineraries will kick start your vacation planning.
Nanaimo Stories
Meet our locals & hear their stories.
What to Do
All
Activities
Art, History and Culture
Beach, Boating and Water
Festivals and Events
Gabriola Island
History, Culture, and Shopping
Island Hopping
Nanaimo Bar Trail
Outdoor Adventures
Sip and Savour
Vancouver Island Whale Watch – Nanaimo, BC
Newfoundland to Nanaimo Canadian Gift & Souvenir Store
Living Forest Oceanside RV & Campground
Saysutshun (Newcastle) Island
City of Nanaimo Parks & Recreation
St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse
Longwood Brew Pub & Restaurant
Wild Heart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours
Vancouver Island Symphony
Miracle Mile Limousine and Sight Seeing Tours
North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre
Wildwood – Ecoforestry Institute Society
Regional District of Nanaimo
Kool & Child: Kool Toys & Teaching Tools!
Gabriola Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre
Lobelia’s Lair Metaphysical Treasures
Serious Coffee Commercial Street
Descanso Bay Regional Park
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market
Vancouver Island Military Museum
GERTIE – Gabriola’s Community Bus
The Bold Knight Restaurant
Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park
Vancouver Island Expeditions
Penny’s Palapa Floating Mexican Restaurant
Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant
Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge
Eve Olive Vegan Restaurant
Lighthouse Bistro and Pub
Bees Knees Community Café
Nanaimo North Town Centre
Brechin Lanes and Escapism Escape Rooms
Hearthstone Artisan Bakery
Neck Point Röming Game – Island Römer Adventures
Cheers Cowichan Tours and Transport
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
New York Style Pizza & Pasta
The Shoppes at Gallery Row
Westwood Lake RV Camping & Cabins
Wheatsheaf Pub & Liquor Store
Tracks Outdoor Adventures INC
McNabs Corn Maze & Produce Farm
Ride the Glide Segway Tours
Yonder Wood Country Store
Burnt Honey Dessert Company
Island Roots Farmers’ Market
Fredrich’s Honey Farm & Shop
Silva Bay Kayak Adventures
Kleijn Nurseries and Garden Centre
Chateau Wolff Estate Winery & Vineyard
Waterfront Suites & Marina
Days Inn Nanaimo Harbourview
Old City Quarter Association
Silva Bay Resort & Marina
Coastal Blue Adventures Ltd.
Horne Lake Caves & Outdoor Centre
